Roki Sasaki to Dodgers? National MLB Writer Doesn’t Rule it Out

Will the Los Angeles Dodgers sign Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher Roki Sasaki during the offseason?

The Japanese pitcher is one of the most highly-sought after international prospects, and will likely be coveted by many teams, even though he has dealt with injuries this season. However, it’s unclear if the Chiba Lotte Marines will let Sasaki go, or if he will leave for MLB yet since he is not eligible for a top-tier contract. If he does head for MLB, would he choose the Dodgers?

National MLB reporter Bob Nightengale told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain he believes the Dodgers remain a strong fit for Sasaki.

“The rumor has been for years that he’s going to sign with the Dodgers and you get him for a cheap price because he’s not 25 years old yet,” Nightengale told McKain. “Like when Shohei (Ohtani) went over to the Angels, they got him for nothing. He did not have a great year by any means,” Injured a little bit. Struggled with the control. But as far as the pure stuff, it’s better than Yamamoto. It’s better than Ohtani. It’s unbelievable. It’s just getting it down.”

The chance to connect with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who also played NPB and are from MLB, is another reason Nightengale believes Sasaki could end up picking the Dodgers.

“So kudos to him, if he’s going to sacrifice that kind of money and come out and not get the $300 million that Yamamoto got. … Even though he’s kind of a country kid from the farm, I think having Ohtani there, Yamamoto there were would make him comfortable, say ‘you know what? I’d rather go where I have some friends,'” Nightengale said.

Along with the connection to Yamamoto and Ohtani, Nightengale believes the Dodgers and other West Coast teams have the edge in bringing in Sasaki.

“I think all 30 teams will be on him, like Ohtani. … All the teams on the West Coast have an advantage because it’s a lot closer to home. You’re not adding another 4-5 hour trip. … Particularly having Ohtani and Yamamoto on the team can help (the Dodgers) out. The Padres have (Yu) Darvish — everybody loves Darvish — so I wouldn’t discount their chances either.”

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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